Birding
Birding in the Eastern Sierra
Bird enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of bird species they will encounter here in the Eastern Sierra. Hundreds of species live and pass through Inyo and Mono Counties. Many species, including ducks at the Bishop City Park, raptors near Laws Museum, California Gulls and Red-Winged Blackbirds in Mono Lake, Egrets at the Owens Lake, Great Blue Herons along the canal in Bishop, and so many more can be seen throughout the year!
Popular Birding Areas
Important Bird Areas in Inyo and Mono Counties:
- Adobe Valley (Mono County)
- Argus Range – Southern (Inyo County)
- Bridgeport Valley (Mono County)
- Crowley Lake Area (Mono County)
- Deep Springs Valley (Inyo County)
- East Mojave Peaks (Inyo and San Bernardino Counties)
- Mono Highlands – aka the Bodie Hills and Glass Mountains (Mono County)
- Mono Lake Basin (Mono County)
- Owens Lake (Inyo County)
- Owens River (Inyo and Mono Counties)
- Shoshone-Tecopa Area (Inyo County)
- Sierra Meadows – Northern (Alpine, Amador, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Sierra Counties)
- Sierra Meadows – Southern (not technically in Inyo or Mono counties, but many close and accessible from here)
- Southern Sierra Desert Canyons (Inyo and Kern Counties)
- Topaz Lake Area (Mono County)
RESOURCES:
- Map of Eastern Sierra birding hotspots
- Eastern Sierra Audubon Society information about local birds and where to find them.
- Birding Apps that will help you identify birds quickly and easily!
Guide Highlight
Birding Hotspots of the Owens Valley
This brochure presents several notable hotspots between Bishop and Olancha emphasizing a November through May season focusing on wintering species and spring migrants.